Apparatus, system, and method of providing a content level monitor

ABSTRACT

A consumable level monitoring label apparatus, system and method for physical association with a content-filled consumable to allow for monitoring of a level of the content therein. The apparatus, system and method includes a plurality of labels, each individually manually removable from the label sheet and each comprising: a plurality of electrical conductors forming a sensing module, the sensing module having associated therewith firmware for converting signals associated with the electrical conductors and to an indication of the content level; a communications module for communicating the content level to at least a user display and over at least one network; and a power module for powering at least the sensing module and the communications module. A plurality of perforations are associated with each of the plurality of labels, wherein the plurality of perforations provides for variations in a size of each of the labels upon the manual removal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a national stage application of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2019/049369, filed Sep. 3, 2019, entitled:APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A CONTENT LEVEL MONITOR,which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/725,888, filed Aug. 31, 2018, entitled APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODOF PROVIDING A CONTENT LEVEL MONITOR, the entireties of which areincorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entireties.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates generally to sensing, and, more particularly, toan apparatus, system, and method of monitoring content levels andindicating a need for replenishment.

Background of the Disclosure

It is well understood that various types of contents, such as solids andliquids, may be carried within containers designed to dispense thosecontents over extended time periods in discreet doses. By way ofnonlimiting example, detergent for use in a washing machine is oftenprovided in liquid form, and a large bottle, such as having a spigot orother output type to allow for the dispensing of the detergent outwardlyfrom the bottle, enables dispensing of that dose of detergent into aload of laundry within the washer. Similarly, such as in an officeenvironment, a large bottle is used to provide water at a “watercooler”, and the water is dispensed responsive to independent actuationsof a spigot.

In general, contents ultimately placed within the container may betracked, in bulk, prior to delivery to or purchase by the ultimateconsumer. For example, bulk tracking may be performed on farmed goods asthey are farmed, and as they are shipped for distribution; warehousedsolids may be tracked by production date, such as by UPC code or thelike, and/or such as by warehoused pallet, and so on; once the goodsreach a sales center, such as a grocery store, they may be tracked, suchas by UPC code or the like, from an inventory perspective; but, once thecontents reach the consumer and/or are otherwise placed into acontainer, such as for consumption, or when the contents are consumedfrom a purchased container, there are no longer readily availabletracking methodologies at present.

However, in embodiments such as the aforementioned, it is often the casethat, for a user to monitor how much content remains in the container,the user must periodically shake, lift, or otherwise manipulate thecontainer to allow for a qualified guess by the user as to how muchcontent remains therein. Further, there is historically no methodologywhereby proper dosing for use of the content, such as per load dosinginto a washing machine, may be readily assessed. Unfortunately, in awashing machine embodiment by way of example, too little soap may causean inadequate level of cleaning of clothes placed within the washingmachine, and too much soap may cause over-sudsing, which may damage thewashing machine or the laundry area. Yet further, there is presently nomechanism whereby a seller of containers having consumable contents,such as dishwashing or laundry detergent, or water cooler bottles, canassess a consumer's need for additional contents.

Moreover, many products, such as those mentioned above, and additionallyliquid hand soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, pre-moistened wipes, and soon, are typically dispensed from durable or semi-durable containers.However, there is presently no way for brands, retailers, or consumersto add level-sensing capabilities to pre-existing “dumb” containers,such as the aformentioned durable or semi-durable containers which lacklevel-sensing, and consumers may not want to purchase additionalmonitoring devices to monitor the “dumb” containers.

Therefore, the need exists for an apparatus, system, and method ofmonitoring content levels within a consumable container, such as abottle or box, and of automatically indicating (herein referred to as“autoreplenishment”), such as to at least one of a consumer and/or aseller of the contents, when the need for additional contents and/or aconsumable containing the contents occurs. In embodiments, thisapparatus, system and method may be available to a user even afterpurchase, and may or may not include the purchase of a secondarymonitoring device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation inthe accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similarelements, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view and side view of a consumable anddispenser system;

FIG. 1B illustrates a front view and side view of a consumable anddispenser system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary electrical block for use with adispenser;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary dispenser;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary dispenser;

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view and a top view of a cross section of anexemplary dispenser;

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view and a top view of a cross section of anexemplary dispenser;

FIG. 6A illustrates exemplary aspects of a consumable;

FIG. 6B illustrates exemplary aspects of a consumable;

FIG. 6C illustrates exemplary aspects of a consumable;

FIG. 7A illustrates exemplary aspects of a consumable;

FIG. 7B illustrates exemplary aspects of a consumable;

FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary conductive strips for use in theembodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary printed circuit board;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary electrical contact;

FIG. 11A illustrates exemplary aspects in various views of a consumableand a dispenser;

FIG. 11B illustrates exemplary aspects in various views of a consumableand a dispenser;

FIG. 11C illustrates exemplary aspects in various views of a consumableand a dispenser;

FIG. 11D illustrates exemplary aspects in various views of a consumableand a dispenser;

FIG. 11E illustrates exemplary aspects in various views of a consumableand a dispenser;

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 14A illustrates aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 14B illustrates aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 15A illustrates aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 15B illustrates aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 16 illustrates aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 17A illustrates aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 17B illustrates aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 18A illustrates aspects of the embodiments;

FIG. 18B illustrates aspects of the embodiments; and

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary cloud-based system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified toillustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of theherein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, forthe purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typicalsimilar devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill mayrecognize that other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/ornecessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods describedherein. But because such elements and operations are well known in theart, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of thepresent disclosure, a discussion of such elements and operations may notbe provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed toinherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications tothe described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”,“connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another element,component, region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,”and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence ororder unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed asecond element, component, region, layer or section without departingfrom the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

Processor-implemented modules, systems and methods of use are disclosedherein that may provide networked access to a plurality of types ofdigital content, including but not limited to video, image, text, audio,metadata, algorithms, interactive and document content, and which track,deliver, manipulate, transform and report the accessed content.Described embodiments of these modules, systems and methods are intendedto be exemplary and not limiting. As such, it is contemplated that theherein described systems and methods may be adapted and may be extendedto provide enhancements and/or additions to the exemplary modules,systems and methods described. The disclosure is thus intended toinclude all such extensions.

Furthermore, it will be understood that the term “module” as used hereindoes not limit the functionality to particular physical modules, but mayinclude any number of tangibly-embodied software and/or hardwarecomponents having a transformative effect on at least a portion of asystem. In general, a computer program product in accordance with oneembodiment comprises a tangible computer usable medium (e.g., standardRAM, an optical disc, a USB drive, or the like) having computer-readableprogram code embodied therein, wherein the computer-readable programcode is adapted to be executed by a processor (which may work inconnection with an operating system) to implement one or more functionsand methods as described below. In this regard, the program code may beimplemented in any desired language, and may be implemented as machinecode, assembly code, byte code, interpretable source code or the like(e.g., via C, C++, C#, Java, Actionscript, Objective-C, Javascript, CSS,XML, etc.).

Embodiments may include a content level monitoring apparatus, system,and method, as well as an auto replenishment apparatus, system, andmethod for contents typically contained within a durable or semi-durableconsumable, such as a bottle, for which monitoring of the level of thosecontents has not historically occurred. The embodiments may include astand-alone dispenser/base, such as a base having a liquid outlet, thatis distinct from the one or more consumables, and which may include oneor more printed circuit boards, firmware, network communicationcapabilities, user interfaces and indicators, provided power, and adispenser, such as a spigot, for dispensing content from a consumableassociated with the dispenser. The embodiments of the dispenser may beassociated with one or more consumables or similar packages, such as maybe formed of cardboard, plastic or glass, and which may have associatedthere with one or more electronic labels having sensing, such ascapacitive sensing, capabilities. The embodiments of the base may extendupward into contact, in part or in whole, with one or more aspects ofthe container placed into the base, such that aspects of the container,such as sensing labels, are brought into contact with aspects of thebase in order that the functionality discussed herein may be provided.Therefore, the container may have associated there with one or moreaspects, such as electronic labels, to provide the functionality herein,either discretely or in conjunction with the encompassing and electronicaspects of the base, as described throughout.

In short, as used herein, the disclosed systems and methods may includeone or two aspects, as discussed throughout. More particularly, thefirst aspect may be a “consumable”, such as the solids and liquidscontainers discussed herein, which may include a disposable goodcomprised of a package which includes therein a solid or liquid forconsumption by user. The consumable may be rigid or flexible, and may beor include, by way of non-limiting example, a bottle, cartridge, bag,jar, such as with a closure, a disposable dispenser, a box, such as maybe formed of cardboard, or the like. The consumable may have, associatedtherewith, a sensing aspect, such as a label. The label may beassociated during manufacture, during delivery, by a retailer, or by aconsumer, by way of example.

Also included within the system may be the durable aspect such as thedispensing units discussed throughout, by way of example, such as may bephysically and/or communicatively associated with the consumable. Thedurable may, as referenced above, also include communicationcapabilities. Unlike the consumable, the durable aspect may have ausable life that spans the exhaustion of a plurality of consumables,such as over a predetermined time period, such as over the course of amonth, a year, or the like.

Further, included in the embodiments may be: cloud based storage andcommunication with one or more of the dispensers; one or more smartphoneapps for communication with the one or more dispensers and/or the cloudbased communication site; and an analytics dashboard, which may be appand/or web-based, such as may be used by a seller of the solid or liquidcontents and/or the containers thereof. As used herein, a “liquidlevel”, “solids level”, or “contents level” monitored in the disclosedapparatuses, systems and methods is indicative of the amount of contentsremaining in a consumable associated with aspects of the embodiments; a“dose” is an amount of contents dispensed, such as from the liquidoutput/spigot/crank, for a given purpose; and an “auto replenishment”may occur when the contents level in the consumable reaches a point atwhich a reorder is required.

More particularly, a sensing microprocessor, and the requisiteprocessing power, may be resident in the durable dispenser, inembodiments including both a durable and consumable component. Becausethe sensing, such as the capacitive sensing, must sense content levelsinside a consumable, the consumable may have associated there with,either aftermarket or following manufacture, and by direct printing,manual attachment, or in-label, a smart label having sensing, such asconductive or photosensitive strips or connective discrete sensors,running substantially up the consumable on at least one side, top orbottom thereof. These conductive strips may become communicative withthe sensing system upon, and only upon, installation of the consumableinto the durable dispenser, or without association of the consumablewith the dispenser.

Needless to say, a snug electromechanical connection with the dispensermay be provided for the consumable, and/or for variably sizedconsumables, via any known method. This connection may occur only uponinsertion of the consumable into the dispenser, such as by aspring-loaded connector that snugs around a bottleneck, and/or by usinga keying mechanism, such as a slot, associated with the consumable toensure insertion of the consumable at a proper orientation into thedispenser to allow for an electromechanical connection, or using otherlike methods, by way of example.

Thereby, the embodiments may provide a sensing solution that “wakes up”when the consumable is plugged into a durable, permanent orsemi-permanent, dispenser. Moreover, the embodiments allow for enhancedconvenience and control by the user, such as by communicativelyassociating with the circuitry referenced herein of one or more appshaving resident therein settings that may be adjusted by a user, such asfor dosing of the contents within the consumable. Further, thecommunication capabilities disclosed herein may allow for enhanced valueto sellers, such as by increasing brand loyalty, reorder frequency, andby providing experiential use data, by way of non-limiting example. Inturn, it will be understood in light of the disclosed embodiments thatthe value to a user may be further enhanced, such as by providing forthe offering of discounts from a brand monitoring usage levels to ahigh-volume user, or the like.

The consumable disclosed in the embodiments may be of any suitable typeto allow for reception by the durable dispenser, for embodimentsincluding the dispenser. For example, the consumable may hold between 1and 3 L, and/or between 1 and 5 gallons, of liquid, and may have asubstantially or semi-cylindrical, rectangular, or like shape. Theconsumable may be of any color or composition that will allow for theconductive sensing discussed herein. The consumable may have associatedtherewith printed strips or sensors that may extend substantially alongthe length/height of the consumable to allow for sensing, such ascapacitive or photoresistive sensing, by way of non-limiting example.The strips may be also pressure sensitive and/or adhesive, and may beapplied aftermarket or during the manufacturing and labeling process.These strips may electrically associate with electrodes in the dispenserin order to provide a signal or signals indicative of the requisitecontents level sensing.

The dispenser may include a dispenser, such as a spout, crank, spigot,pump, or the like, for the dispensing of the contents from a consumablereceived into the dispenser. The dispenser may be, by way ofnon-limiting example, plastic in composition, and may be substantiallyinjection molded, such as with one or more actuation elements, such as ahandle, switch, crank, button, or the like. The dispenser may includethe aforementioned electrodes for associating with the sensor strips onthe label physically present on the consumable associated with thedispenser. The dispenser may include one or more printed circuit boardshaving a connector to the electrodes suitable for receiving signals fromthe sensors on the consumable label; a sensor module; one or moreindicator LEDs to indicate dosage, level and/or auto replenishment; oneor more network communication capable modules, such as for communicatingwith a smart phone, local area network, cellular network, or the like;one or more power modules to provide power to the dispenser modules andthe consumable sensor circuit, and which may include batteries that maybe permanent/semipermanent (i.e., rechargeable) or replaceable; and orother optional elements, such as one or more audio alarms to support orreplace the LED indicators of correct dosage or auto replenishment.

Further included may be firmware and software to provide thefunctionality discussed throughout. For example, firmware may sense thecontents level based on the intercommunication of the sensing chip andthe conductive strips, and may use this information to indicate dosingor auto replenishment. Likewise, dosing, and perhaps auto replenishment,may be information provided remotely from cloud-based algorithms to thefirmware of the dispenser.

The disclosed communication capabilities may include communication, suchas through the dispenser or directly from an active or passive (such asvia an active “ringing” from a smartphone or like-reader) label, withone or more smartphone apps having user information associatedtherewith, and which may receive user feedback regarding content levels,dosing, auto replenishments, and so on. Such a smart phone app maycommunicate with the label or dispenser via, for example, WiFi,Bluetooth, BLE, or cellular communication methodologies, and further,the firmware of the dispenser may be suitable to batch information anddata and/or otherwise piggyback to a smart phone having resident thereonthe referenced app.

Further, a cloud-based backend may store and serve received data to andfrom the aforementioned app, and to or from one or more web-based orapp-based dashboards. Some or all of the additional processing discussedthroughout may be performed at the cloud based backend, such as alertsor email confirmations in the circumstances of auto replenishment, suchas instead of drawing on the limited resources of the dispenser'sfirmware or processors.

The aforementioned dashboard may be associated with one or more sellersor brands of the referenced contents within the consumable. In suchcircumstances, an analytics dashboard may be available to the brand foruser and use data indicative of certain geography use, global use, useat times of the day, use by demographic area, or the like. This andadditional information provided at the dashboard may allow for a brandto target or otherwise send special offers, discount codes, or the liketo particular users, such as high-volume users. Likewise, the consumermay be provided with a similar in-app “dashboard”.

Various of the disclosed embodiments may have associated therewith oneor more functional needs. By way of non-limiting example, mechanical andelectromechanical functionality may include: dispensing of the contentswhen the spout or similar output is held in the open position, withoutleaking in the open or closed position; placement of the content outputto enable dispensing of contents “below level”, such as into a pitcheror other large container; in the event replaceable, rather thanrechargeable or permanent batteries are used, a battery compartment maybe included to allow for periodic changing of the batteries, such aswithout special tools or the risk of breakage (for example, the batterycompartment may open using a simple flat or Phillips' head screwdriver).

Of course, a key electro-mechanical functionality may include detectionof the contents level within the consumable. This may be done using theaforementioned photoresistive or capacitive sensing, such as viaelectrodes in the dispenser associated with a sensor, such as a flexibleand/or printed circuit on the consumable and/or within a labelassociated with the consumer. Similarly, a pressure sensitive label,having printed electrodes associated therewith, may be employed. In eachsuch case, the sensing processor may preferably be included within thedispenser and connectively associated with the sensor elements of theconsumable's label.

Further, the firmware of the dispenser and/or the dashboard of an appmay indicate when an adequate dose of contents for a particularcircumstance has been dispensed, i.e., a proper “dosage event”. Forexample, the firmware of the printed circuit board of a dispenser mayblink one or more LEDs for a proper dosage timeframe, or may audiblyindicate, such as using a low-level buzzer, for the length of the doseor when a dose should be stopped. Dose size may be set up using the appor a web-based application, such as in small, medium, and large,increments, and those increments may be particularly associated, such asby a manufacturer's specifications, with a particular machine, such as aparticular washing machine brand and model. Alternatively, dosing may behard coded into the firmware, such as for a given consumable sizetypically received by the dispenser, such as a 32 ounce consumable.

Moreover, the firmware, such as absent intercommunication with the cloudor in association with cloud communication, may indicate and/orotherwise trigger an autoreplenishment event. This auto replenishmentmay be automatic or semi-automatic—a semi-automatic autoreplenishmentevent may show a confirmation dialogue or other alert to the user, suchas in the app, which may allow for the user to cancel or confirm theorder; or, the auto replenishment order may be fully automated. Anautoreplenishment event may be communicated to the referenced cloudbackend, such as subject to an additional confirmation, such as by anapp alert or an email, to the ordering consumer. Further, such an autoreplenishment event may contribute to the data that may be provided to abrand, such as on the brand dashboard. Data associated with anautoreplenishment may include date, time, location, and/or user ID ofthe app associated with the auto replenishment, percent content level(which may be automatic as an autoreplenishment threshold, or which maybe set by the user), product SKU, or the like.

Functionality for the cloud may include storage of content levelupdates, dosage events, and auto replenishment events. Further, cloudfunctionality may include user activity data, interactivity, resetcapability, and the like. Decisions, such as the reaching of thresholdsfor discounts, may optionally occur in the cloud, and the branddashboard may be enabled to approve such discounts to send, such as forreceipt by the consumer app, discount codes and/or other targetedadvertising to select consumers. Select consumers may be particularconsumers meeting certain data thresholds, classes of consumers, appprofile information, or the like.

Auto replenishment events available in the dashboard may be provided inlist, mapped, or threshold formats, by way of non-limiting example.Accessing an auto replenishment event may open a particular consumerprofile, and may make available to the dashboard all data associatedwith that profile. Such data, which may be in a map form as referencedabove, may include latitude, longitude, location, distance from nearestseller of the brand, use date, use time, percent contents level, machineused with, and the like. Also included in the brand dashboard data maybe typical frequency of use, recent frequency of use, time since lastuse, and so on.

In accordance with the foregoing, there may be numerous mechanicalaspects of certain of the disclosed embodiments. For example, onemechanical aspect may include the consumable. The consumable may beassociated with a custom, electronically functional, communicative,pressure sensitive, photosensitive, and/or capacitive label, by way ofexample. The label may include printed conductive strips that aresuitable for electrical connection to the printed circuit board in thedispenser, for “ringing” via a reader such as a smartphone, and/or forcommunication with on-label processing, firmware, and/or communications.The label and/or an aspect of the consumable package may additionallyinclude one or more insertion mechanisms to allow for insertion of theconsumable having the label thereon into the dispenser, such aspositional guides, latches, keys, or the like.

Mechanical aspects of the dispenser may include one or more outputs,such as a crank or spigot. The dispenser may be substantially closed soas to avoid leakage, spill or shock, and may allow for the dispenseroutput to hang over the edge of a level surface to enable filling oflarger containers. Further, the dispenser may be suitable to receive theconsumable when the consumable is inverted and placed within, such astop-side down or bottom side open, into the dispenser. As such and incertain embodiments, the consumable may have associated therewithfeatures to simplify interaction with the dispenser. For example, theconsumable may be provided with a plastic top cap over the opening ofthe consumable, and/or a foil seal under the plastic top cap over theopening. Thereby, the plastic cap may be removed and the consumableinverted and placed into the dispenser, and the dispenser may include anelement to pierce a seal, such as the foil seal, to allow the contentsto be released into the dispenser.

Also relevant to the embodiments may be several electrical aspects. Forexample, the conductive strips of the consumable label may be associatedwith the electronics in the dispenser, as referenced throughout. Thismay occur, for example, by the inclusion of a tab along the neck of theconsumable, wherein the conductive strips are associated with the taband the tab inserts into a slot within the dispenser when the consumableis inverted and placed onto the dispenser. Further included within thedispenser is the referenced capacitive sensor module which interactswith the conductive strips of the label.

Also associated with the label, the dispenser and/or with one or moreprinted circuit boards therein may be a communication chip or module,such as a BLE or Bluetooth chip/module. This communication module mayhave associated there with an antenna, such as a printed circuit boardtrace antenna, to enable network communication from the dispenser or thelabel. The dispenser may additionally include one or more processors,which may include or be in addition to the network communicationschipset and/or the capacitive sensing chipset/module. Also includedwithin the dispenser may be power for the foregoing, such as one or morereplaceable batteries, such as coin batteries, AA batteries, or AAAbatteries, by way of non-limiting example.

The electrical aspects of the dispenser may include, as referencedthroughout, one or more printed circuit boards. Such printed circuitboards may be or include a two-sided board having a 1.6 mm thickness, 1ounce copper, and Nickel-Gold ENIG finish, by way of non-limitingexample. The printed circuit board may have, electrically associatedtherewith, one or more indicators, such as one or more LED and/or one ormore audible indicators.

Firmware aspects of certain of the embodiments may include content levelsensing algorithms. Further, the level sensing may include interferenceavoidance techniques to maintain sensing accuracy, such even if a usertouches the conduct of strips of the label or the dispenser. Furtherincluded within the firmware may be the ability to define andcommunicate this level sensing. For example, network communications,such as BLE communications, may be included in, or otherwise controlledby, the firmware. As such, the dispenser and/or the label may bediscoverable by a smart phone app, and pairing between the dispenser andthe smartphone app may occur. Thereby, level-sensed updates may becommunicated from the dispenser to the smart phone at appropriate orrequested intervals.

The firmware may additionally exchange messages regarding dosing events.For example, the firmware may receive a dosing event indication from theuser, the smartphone, or a sensor, and may accordingly blink an LED oractivate a buzzer to indicate proper dosing. This dosing may comprise amessage uploaded to the firmware, such as wherein the dosing is definedeither in the cloud or in the app settings by a user. Yet further,autoreplenishment indications to be generated from the firmware maycomprise intelligence within the user app or within the cloud backend.Accordingly, network communications may be triggered by changes inliquid level (such as continuously or periodically), the need for autoreplenishment, or the like, and hence communications may occur on fixedtime intervals, continuously, or at intervals of variable frequency.

In accordance with the foregoing, the user app may additionally includevarious aspects. For example, the smart phone at may be enabled todiscover and pair with the firmware of the dispenser, such as when thedispenser is activated or on, as mentioned above. The smart phone appmay display autoreplenishment requests or confirmation, such as in auser dialogue format. Further, the smart phone app may display a currentliquid level, and the frequency of updates for the liquid level. Alsoindicated may be proper dosing and the ability for the user to requestdosing.

The app may additionally include the capability to receive discounts andtargeted advertising, such as from the brand dashboard. These may be inthe form of a push notification or a user dialogue that provides an appalert to accept and/or apply the discount code, such as wherein thediscount code may be saved for the next order or applied to a currentorder. Of course, the app may include the ability to change any one ormore of the foregoing settings or any additional settings, such asautoreplenishment settings, such as wherein the content level percentagethreshold may be varied for an autoreplenishment indication. The app mayalso allow for changes in dosage settings, machine type, such as washingmachine brand and model, content dispensing models and machine types,and the receipt of or application of discount codes, and so on. Theforegoing may be available from a drop-down or similar menu, a pop-upwindow, or via any known user interaction, by way of example.

The dashboard referenced herein may additionally include particularaspects. For example, the dashboard may include autoreplenishment eventdata, particular user information, location-based information, and thelike. Further, the dashboard may integrate third-party data, such asweather data, to allow for data fusion between sensed data and publiclyavailable data sources, such as in order to optimize sales.

The dashboard may also include one or more search capabilities. That is,a dashboard user may search for particular data across one or moreusers, such as “frequent users”, “fading users” (i.e., a list of userswhose frequency of use has fallen relative to long-term usage), certaingeographic searches, usage associated with certain events (such assnowstorms), and the like. Responsive to the search, and otherwiseavailable from within the dashboard, may be a consumer data display.That is, dashboard events, such as autoreplenishment events, may includedrill down capabilities to obtain more detail on particular consumers.The drill down may include basic information, such as delivery addressor locale, and more particular information, such as dosing events orliquid levels over time.

The dashboard requirements may additionally include an ability to designmarketing campaigns and/or discount codes. For example, discount codesmay be provided based on the meeting of certain thresholds by certaindata of consumers. Thereby, the discount codes may be automaticallygenerated upon the trigger event for one or more consumers, or may be“hard entered” by a person controlling the dashboard. Moreover, theforegoing aspects may overlap, such as wherein discount codes arereadily executed, such as responsive to a single click, to all consumersthat have been returned responsive to an entered search within thedashboard.

Additional functional requirements may include those of the cloud basedbackend. The cloud based backend may store data, includingautoreplenishment events, dosing events, and content level events, byway of example, and may be suitable to serve that data back to the smartphone app and/or to the dashboard as needed. Further, certain of thedecision-making algorithms discussed herein throughout may also resideat the cloud based backend, such as rather than residing in a smartphone app or in association with the dashboard.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate front and side views, respectively, of asystem 100 in which a consumable 102 is associated with a dispenser 104according to the embodiments. As illustrated, a printed sensing label106 may be associated with one side of the consumable along its length,and may terminate in an electrical “tab” 108 that, upon association ofthe consumable 102 with the dispenser 104, electrically connects to anelectrical contact 110 in the permanent dispenser. The electricalcontact shown may be at a single or multiple positions within thedispenser, such that the need may or may not exist to align theconductive strips 106 with the electrical contact 110 upon insertion ofthe consumable 102 in order to complete the sensing circuit.

Also as shown, the neck and/or cap portion 116 of the consumable 102 maypass through a leak seal 120 upon association with the dispenser 104,such that liquid within the consumable cannot spill out and overflow thesides of the receiving portion of the dispenser. The leak seal 120 maytake the form of an o-ring within the dispenser receiving portion, byway of non-limiting example. Further illustrated in FIG. 1 is amechanical adjustment 122, such as a spring-loaded orifice, that maysnug the neck of the consumable, once inserted through the leak seal120, into the dispenser 104, such as to further prevent leaks andprovide support to hold up the consumable 102.

Also illustrated in association with the dispenser is a liquid output128, such as a spigot. Of note, the spigot shown is in fluidcommunication with a fluid pathway 130 that begins on the side of theo-ring/leak preventer 120 opposite the body of the consumable 102, andthat terminates on the input side of the spigot. Of note and as will beevident from the illustration of FIG. 1, the gravitational pull on theliquid provides sufficient downward force/head pressure so that theliquid enters the fluid pathway for output at the spigot.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary “electrical block” 200 that may beincluded in association with the aforementioned dispenser 104. Withinthe electrical block are illustrated a main printed circuit board 202,which may include, by way of nonlimiting example, processing, memory,and/or network communication capabilities; a sensor board 204 that mayelectrically associate with the conductive strips 106 of the consumablelabel to form a capacitive or like-sensing circuit 206; a display module210, whereby liquid levels, power, or the replenishment, or the like maybe indicated to the user; and a power module 212 that powers theelectrical block and which may have associated therewith one or morebatteries 214. Of note, firmware, running in association with the mainprinted circuit board 202 and/or with the display module 210 may applyone or more algorithms to use the available indicators, such as the LEDlights and/or audio indicators, in different manners in order toindicate different functionality, such as varying lighting, beeps, orthe like to indicate different states of the liquid levels and/or dosingto a user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a particular exemplary embodiment of a dispenser 104having associated therewith 6 LED indicators 302 and a push buttonspigot 304. As further indicated in the breakout view illustrated inFIG. 4, the dispenser 104 may include a top cover 402, which may includelighting or other indicators 302; a middle frame 404, such as to providestructural support and at least a portion of the fluid pathway 130 forreceiving the consumable cap and neck; a sealing ring 406, such as inorder to prevent leakage from a consumable placed within the dispenser104; and a bottom cover 408, such as may include a battery compartmentdoor 410 for insertion of power/batteries, and a stability enhancer 412,such as a rubber pad, legs, or the like to enhance stability of thedispenser.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a front view and top view, respectively, ofcross-sections of an exemplary dispenser 104. As illustrated, the topmost portion of the dispenser may include a sensor board 502, a displayboard 504, a main PCB board 506, and so on. Further illustrated is aportion of the aforementioned fluid pathway 130. The bottom portion ofthe dispenser may include one or more power modules 510, such as mayinclude one or more batteries and battery compartments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a consumable 102, such as is referenced throughout.FIG. 6A illustrates a typical 5 gallon water cooler consumable 102. FIG.6B illustrates a plastic top cap 602 that may typically associated withsuch a water consumable 102, and FIG. 6C illustrates a foil barrier 604that may be associated with the upper neck/cap portion 606 of thewatercooler consumable 102, and which is visible only after removal ofthe plastic top cap 602. Of note, the consumable of FIG. 6A may beinverted after removal of the plastic top cap 602 and inserted into thedispenser 104 discussed throughout. Upon such an insertion, the foilbarrier 604 of FIG. 6C may be pierced, and liquid may flow through thefluid pathway 130 to provide availability of the liquid at the spigot ofthe dispenser 104. Of note, the foil or like-cover of FIG. 6C may haveassociated therewith an electronic identification, such that, before orafter piercing, the dispenser may “read” the type of consumable andother consumable-related information, such as the manufacturer of theconsumable, the capacity of the consumable, the composition of thecontents of the consumable, and so on.

Figures at 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary sensor strip 106 as may beassociated with the label of a consumable 102. FIG. 7A illustrates afront view, and FIG. 7B a side view, of an embodiment having a pluralityof sensing strips 106 that extend into a tab 702, wherein the tab may beinserted into/onto the electrical contact 110 portion of the dispenser,such as the electrical contact illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary one of the sensor/conductive strips 106for association with a consumable 102 and/or a consumable label. Thesestrips 106 may have any dimensions suitable for association with orwithin the label, and suitable for forming full electrical contact withan aspect of the dispenser. By way of nonlimiting example, these sensingstrips may have a length substantially equivalent to the full length ofthe consumable, and may have a width of, by way of nonlimiting example,10 to 30 mm, or 20 mm.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a main PCB board 902. Of note,an exemplary PCB board 902 such as the one shown may have a circularform, such as with an outer diameter of approximately 35 mm. Further, anexemplary thickness of the PCB may be approximately 1 mm. The main PCBboard shown 902, by way of nonlimiting example only, includesreceptivity to power 904, and one or more flex connectors 906, such asmay be associated with an electrical contact 110, such as an electricalslot for receiving a conductive strip tab as discussed throughout.

By way of nonlimiting example, FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplaryelectrical contact 110 that may be located within a slot for receptionof the conductive strip, tab, or the like which may be resident withinthat portion of the dispenser 104 receives the neck of the consumable.As shown, the electrical contact may have a number of spring contacts1002 commensurate with the number of conductive strips 106 associatedwith the bottle label, and these electrical contacts 1002 may create anelectromagnetic field around the conductive strips 106, for which therate of oscillation is indicative of liquid levels. These oscillatingcurrent levels may be passed electrically down the wires 1004 from theelectrical contact 110 to, for example, the sensing module, such thatthis electrical signal information may be processed into a liquid levelindication.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E illustrate a dispenser 104, and FIGS.11A, 11C and 11D illustrate a consumable 102 associated with thedispenser 104. The conductive strips 106 that may form part of thecapacitive sensing module 206 are shown in FIG. 11D. More particularly,Figure A illustrates a top view of the dispenser 104 with a consumable102 inserted. FIG. 11B illustrates a bottom in view of the dispenser104, with a door 1102 leading to the battery compartment, and with aspigot 128 evident at the top most portion thereof. FIG. 11E illustratesthe portion of the dispenser 104 that is receptive to the bottleneck andconsumable cap portion, but without the consumable 102 inserted therein.Evident in FIG. 11E is the o-ring 128 to prevent leaks, and the entranceto the fluid pathway 130 into which the liquid will be dispensed uponinverted insertion of the consumable 102 into the dispenser 104.

FIG. 12 illustrates the tracking of the solids performed while thesolids reside in a container. The container may be a container 1100 inwhich the solids 1102 were purchased in the example of FIG. 12, althoughother containers may be employed as discussed throughout. The containermay include one or more active or passive capabilities for sensing 1104of the contents of the container, and/or sensing of doses dispensed fromthe container. By way of non-limiting example, the container may be acereal box and hence the contents may be cereal, and additionally theactive or passive sensing aspect may be one or more smart labels placedupon the cereal box.

The solids sensing employed herein may be any one or more types ofsensing suitable for sensing the contents of the box or doses dispensedfrom the box. By way of example, the sensing may be one or more photoconductive material sensors, which may be printed around at least aportion of the label of the container. Thereby, as portions of the labelare uncovered, i.e., as the amount of solids within the containerdecreases, the photo conductive material senses the additional lightthat now hits the photo conductive label sensor. Thereby, the level ofsolids is sensed as indicated by the light received by the photoconductive label.

Of course, a variety of other sensing methodologies may be employed,such as, but not limited to, infrared, ultrasound, proximity sensing,other types of light sensing, derivative sensing, weight sensing, soundsensing, or resistance/conductance sensing, by way of non-limitingexample. Needless to say, one or more of the foregoing sensingmethodologies may vary in the uniformity of the sensing output, such asin accordance with the type of bulk solid 1102 item or liquid placedwithin the container. Therefore, adjustments may be necessary in thetype of sensing used, and/or in the processing of the sensor output, inorder to properly sense different types of items.

In accordance with the foregoing, the sensor output may be active orpassive, as discussed. In either case, the output of the sensor must beprovided to a processing system 1110. This may be done by any of avariety of methods. For example, a highly simplistic processor may beincluded on the container in association with the sensor. In such cases,the processor may include some wireless communication capabilities, suchas RF, infrared, Bluetooth, Wi Fi, or the like, or communication withthe processing chip may occur based on an active external interrogationof the processing chip. Alternatively, the one or more processors may beoff-container as discussed throughout, and hence may form part of asystem that actively interrogates the container to obtain the requisitesensing output, as is also discussed further hereinbelow with respect toFIG. 13.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which either a container 1290 isplaced into a dispensing base unit 1292, or the contents 1294 to besensed are dispensed into a container physically associated with adispensing unit. As such, the cereal dispensing unit may include acontainer, or may encompass a container placed therein, in whole or inpart.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, and as discussed above with respect toFIG. 12, the sensing capabilities may be provided on a container placedinto the dispensing unit. Additionally and alternatively, the sensingmay be provided in association with the container of the dispensingunit, or in association with the dispensing unit itself, such as whereinthe sides of the dispensing unit rise a substantial amount up toencompass a container placed therein and allow association of sensingcapabilities placed within the dispensing unit with a container placedtherein. Likewise, the processing discussed above with respect to FIG.12 and/or the external communications discussed above with respect toFIG. 12 may be provided in the dispenser unit of FIG. 13. As is the casewith the embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13, after processing the sensedinformation may be wired or wirelessly communicated to one or moreinformation processing systems, such as telephonic or desktopapplications, suitable to convey information regarding the need toreplenish or the state of dispensing of the solids associated with thecontainer. This communication may occur directly with a proximate device1298, or may occur remotely, such as via the internet, cloudcommunications, the cellular network, or the like.

As referenced with respect to FIG. 12, the type of sensing used, and/orthe propriety of the use of different types of sensing, may vary withthe uniformity of the bulk solids within a container. Needless to say,the foregoing may also vary with the size and shape of a container, suchas the size of the container placed into a dispenser, and they also varyas to the most suitable location for sensing. By way of non limitingexample, the dispenser in the embodiment of FIG. 13 may include the mostsuitable sensing location within the dose dispenser associated with thedispensing unit. Similarly, in the embodiment of FIG. 13, differenttypes of sensing may be used or otherwise activated by the dispenserand/or the processor associated with the dispenser, such as based on thecharacteristics of the container or bulk solid placed within thedispensing unit.

The dispensing base may include a dispenser 1293, such as a crank, spoutwith spigot, or the like, for the dispensing of the solids from thecontainer received into the base. The dispenser base and the dispensermay be, by way of non-limiting example, plastic in composition, and/ormay be substantially injection molded, such as with one or moreactuation elements, such as a handle, switch, button, or the like.

The base may include one or more indicator LEDs 1295 to indicate dosageand auto replenishment; one or more network communication capablemodules, such as for communicating with a smart phone, local areanetwork, cellular network, or the like; one or more power modules toprovide power to the base modules, and which may include batteries thatmay be permanent/semipermanent (i.e., rechargeable) or replaceable; andor other optional elements, such as one or more audio alarms to supportor replace the LED indicators of correct dosage or auto replenishment.

Further included may be firmware and software to provide thefunctionality discussed throughout. For example, firmware may sense thesolids level based on the intercommunication of the sensing and theprocessing, and may use this information to indicate dosing or autoreplenishment. Likewise, dosing, and/or auto replenishment, may beinformation provided remotely from cloud-based algorithms, such as tothe firmware of the base.

As referenced, the disclosed communication capabilities may includecommunication with one or more smartphone apps 1297 having userinformation associated therewith, and which may receive user feedbackregarding levels, dosing, auto replenishments, and so on. Such a smartphone app may communicate with the base via, for example, WiFi,Bluetooth, BLE, or cellular communication methodologies, and further,the firmware of the base may be suitable to batch information and dataand/or otherwise piggyback to a smart phone having resident thereon thereferenced app.

Further, a cloud-based backend 1299 may store and serve received data toand from the aforementioned app, and to or from one or more web-based orapp-based dashboards. Some or all of the additional processing discussedthroughout may be performed at the cloud based backend, such as alertsor email confirmations in the circumstances of auto replenishment, suchas instead of drawing on the limited resources of the dispensing base'sfirmware or processors.

As discussed throughout, the automatic reordering envisioned herein mayreflect a need to reorder not only a consumable, but additionally adurable aspect of the disclosed system. By way of non-limiting example,durable and consumable pairs may include: razors and razor blades; asoap dispenser and a soap or shampoo bottle; a hand soap dispenser and arefill soap bag; a cereal box and a turning crank cereal dispenser; aprinter and an ink cartridge; a disposable detergent bottle and anergonomic spigot dispenser; a spice rack and a spice bottle; acentrifuge and a vial of bodily fluid; and a coffee machine and coffee,tea, or other beverage pods.

In prior efforts, the smart label of a consumable has been read by adurable with which the consumable is paired solely in order to identifythe consumable. That is, a consumable may typically be associated withand RFID or NFC Tag, a Q.R. code, a barcode, a UPC code, or the like,which, when read by a paired durable, serves merely to identify theconsumable. In contrast, the proposed embodiments may, embed semi-smartand smart labels on or in the consumables such that a wealth ofinformation beyond identification may be sensed or otherwise conveyed toand by the paired durable, such as exclusively and only upon pairing ofthe consumable with the durable. That is, the durable may include aplurality of conventional electronics designed to sense/read thedetailed consumable information provided by the semi-smart label of theconsumable. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments may providefunctionality beyond mere identification, and may provide significantcost advantages over RFID, NFC, or optical reading methods previouslyprovided for the consumable and durable pair.

Such functionality may be provided, such as only upon pairing of theconsumable with the durable, by any of a variety of methods that will beunderstood to the skilled artisan in light of the discussion herein. Forexample, discussed throughout are capacitive proximity sensing, lightsensing (such as using photo resistive sensors), and conductivity orresistivity sensing (wherein electrically unconnected portions of thesystem are subsequently connected to indicate a content level) toprovide content identification for consumable items.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 14A illustrates the use of photoresistors 1301 to provide content sensing. In the embodimentillustrated, a photo resistive label 1302, such as that illustrated inFIG. 14B, is comprised of a conductive trace 1304 communicativelyassociated with a photo resistive trace 1306. As will be understood,conductive trace 1304 may be silver based, and the photo resistive tracemay be a printed zinc oxide based ink, by way of non-limiting example.The anode and cathode provided by the connectively associated tracesprovide a sensing circuit 1308 which, upon variations in the level ofproduct that blocks the photo resistive trace 1306, indicates a level ofthe contents 1320 associated with the photo resistive label 1302.

Additionally, and alternatively, FIG. 15A illustrates the use of acommoditized series of individual photo resistors 1402, which also maybe comprised of a photo resistive film 1404, such as cadmium sulfide,provided between electrical contacts, wherein a series of such photoresistors 1402 may be placed along a conductive strip 1406 to providesimilar functionality to the photo resistive printed label of FIG. 14B.FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate, schematically, and graphically, variationsin content level that may be sentenced based on the progressive exposureof photo resistors. Of note, the illustrated photo resistors maycomprise a strip of individual photo resistors, as discussed withrespect to FIG. 15A, or may comprise a printed trace photo resistivelabel, such as is discussed with respect to FIG. 15B.

In the illustration of FIG. 15, as the product content level drops, morephoto resistive sensors are exposed and the resistance of the circuitdrops. This is also graphically illustrated in correspondence to thechange in level sensing by the resistance graph shown in FIGS. 15A and15B. In such embodiments, level sensing occurs at discrete levelscorrespondent to the presence of each individual photo resistor alongthe strip in FIG. 15A, or improved and substantially continuousresolution may be achieved by using the photo resistors strip of FIG.15B.

More particularly, FIG. 15B illustrates, schematically and graphically,the level sentencing with the use of a photo resistive printed trace1404. As shown in the illustration of FIG. 15B, the photo resistivestrip may be printed to cover the full height of thecontainer/consumable 1420. As the content level within the container1420 drops, the exposure locations along the strip increase and theresistance accordingly drops in a manner akin to that discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 15A and 14B. However, in contrast to FIG. 15A, theembodiment of FIG. 15B provides continuous level sensing and a lineardrop in resistance, as is illustrated graphically, in correspondencewith the change in container levels. Moreover, the resistance of theoverall circuit may be modified by changing the thickness of the inklayer and or the width of the print of the photo resistive strip 1404.Thereby, the range and/or resolution of the photo resistive sensingcircuit may be modified or calibrated for different contents that mayreside within the container 1420.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing embodiments may also work forliquids having a certain opacity, as well as for bulk solids sensingdiscussed throughout. That is, provided herein is an inexpensive methodto continuously detect change in product level by sensing a change inresistance for solids or liquids.

It will be understood that the durable discussed throughout may begeneric or proprietary. That is, a proprietary durable may be operableonly with a particular brand of consumables, and hence other brands ofthe same type of consumable will not operate with the proprietarydurable. Modification of the aspects discussed herein, such ascustomization in aspects of a printed photo resistive label, may make itdifficult to genericize a proprietary durable. Thereby, a proprietarydurable may enhance brand loyalty for certain categories of consumables.

More particularly, FIG. 16 illustrates the association of a durable 1502and consumable 1504, such as for a proprietary durable. As illustrated,both a sensing circuit 1506 and motherboard 1508 may be provided in thedurable, but may not be connected to one another. The printed traces1510, such as photo resistive label traces, on the consumable 1504 mayconnect the sensing circuit 1506 and the motherboard 1508 within thedurable 1502 only when the consumable 1504 is placed within the durable.Thereafter, level sensing of the product within the consumable 1504 maybe performed as discussed throughout, such as based on the resistance ofthe consumable as sensed by the sensor and motherboard of the durable.As referenced above, the durable may thus be generic, or may includeproprietary modifications, such as to the sensing circuit, themotherboard, the communication protocols between the sensing circuit onthe motherboard, the type, size or makeup of the conductive traces, theprinting label printing methods, and so on.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a resistance-based product identificationthat may be provided in accordance with the embodiments. Each consumablelabel 1602 may be printed with a resistive trace 1604, such as a polymerresistive material. The value of the resistive trace may be unique foreach product identification, as shown.

The durable 1606 may then have slots 1608 connectively associated withpower 1610 and the input-output of one or more analog to digitalconvertors 1612 associated with a microprocessor 1614, such as toidentify the different resistance values of the resistive trace 1604associated with a consumable placed within the slot 1608. Thereby, ifmultiple consumable items may be used in a single durable, the resistivesensing identifies which consumable was used. If multiple consumablesmay be simultaneously placed within the durable at multiple slots at thesame time, the disclosed embodiment may identify which consumable is inwhich slot. It will be appreciated that the variations in resistance ofthe resistive trace may be provided by any known methods, such asvariations in the shape, length, thickness, or type, such as the polymercomposition, of the trace used.

In relation to the proprietary or non-proprietary nature of the durablesas discussed above, the aforementioned dashboard may be associated withone or more sellers or brands of the referenced solids. In suchcircumstances, an analytics dashboard may be available to the brand foruser and use data indicative of certain geography use, global use, useat times of the day, use by demographic area, or the like. This andadditional information provided at the dashboard may allow for a brandto target or otherwise send special offers, discount codes, or the liketo particular users, such as high-volume users.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate “after-market” labels 1802 that may beassociated with a consumable package 1804, as discussed throughout. Asillustrated, the labels 1802 may preferably be flexible, and may beinstalled on the package 1804 by the manufacturer, at a package fillline, by a retailer, or by a consumer, by way of example. Therefore,labels may be provided in a suitable format, such as for use on variouspackaging and/or for ready-removal and use, even by the consumer, suchas from a perforated or unperforated sheet 1806 of multiple of suchlabels 1802.

More particularly, as the labels 1802 may be used on various packages1804 for various goods, the labels may be provided in sheets, such asmay allow for the stickers to be “peeled” away from a sheet 1806, andthen cut, such as along a perforation 1808, to the proper size forsensing over the height 1810 of a given package 1804. Labels 1802 maythus be provided in “strips”, that is, having an appreciably greaterlength than width, thus necessitating placement either horizontally orvertically along the “strip”, such as based on package configuration.The labels 1802 may also be provided with instructions on how the labelis to be removed, cut and/or adhered.

Yet further, as labels 1802 may be put to different uses, theaforementioned app may allow for instruction, such as from the user,regarding that upon which a given label 1802 is adhered. For example, auser may enter a code 1820 from the label 1802 (or “read” the code on alabel, such as using a smartphone) into the app 1830, and may thenassociate that label with a certain product brand and size, such thatdosing and/or replenishment data is automatically loaded for thatproduct and its specific package. Thereby, a single type of label may bevariously used to track consumption of numerous different types ofproducts and packages, and/or different labels from a single “labelsheet” 1806 may be used by a consumer to track various products, by wayof non-limiting example. Of course, the labels thus provided may or maynot necessitate association with a dispenser to perform thecommunications as discussed throughout.

Labels 1802 may be comprised of, for example, conductive strips 1802 aand capacitive sensing 1802 b, as discussed throughout, and may thus beproduced using any of various known production methodologies. Forexample, a label 1802 may comprise a conventional flexible PCB 1802 c onpolyimide film or other commonly used substrate such as polyester,polyethylene naphthalate, etc. with circuit traces etched from a layerof metal foil via a subtractive fabrication process. Alternatively, alabel 1802 may be printed via an additive process including gravure,flexo, offset, or inkjet printing, onto any compatible substrate,including paper or polymer. Additionally and alternatively, a label 1802may comprise a hybrid, i.e., having conventional electronic componentsassembled onto a printed electronic circuit, with or without stiffeners.By way of example, such a hybrid printed electronic label may be apressure sensitive label, such as may additionally have communicationscapability. Alternatively, a hybrid printed electronic label 1802 may bean in-mold label, by way of non-limiting example.

More specifically, each label may include one or more supporting digitaland/or analog components. These components may include, by way ofexample, the aforementioned capacitive sensing 1802 b, which may includea processor or similar integrated circuit, a battery (such as aconventional coin cell or a printed battery) 1802 d, communication, suchas WiFi and/or BLE (this may be integrated with the microprocessor as asystem on chip, or SOC), passive components, and the like. Thesecomponents may be assembled using known means, such as solder paste 1802e or conductive adhesive, by way of example. The label may also includean adhesive layer 1802 f to adhere label 1802 to package 1804.

Of course, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in light of thediscussion herein, that other aspects may be included in the label(s)1802, label sheet(s) 1806, and other aspects. For example, the label1802 may use a stiffener for durability and/or protection duringtransit. Such a stiffener may be or include FR4, Polyimide, Aluminum, orStainless Steel, by way of example. A stiffener may be attached viapressure sensitive adhesive or thermal bonding, by way of example,and/or may removable, such as upon use, as a substantially rigidcontainer may provide sufficient stability during use.

FIG. 19 illustrates a system 1200 in which the dashboard 1202 and/orsmartphone app 1204 housing the code to implement the method(s)discussed herein throughout may be included. As shown, a container 1200having associated there with sensors 1206 is inserted into a smartdispensing base 1224. The illustrated dispensing base is then suitableto communicate with a smartphone app to exchange the informationdiscussed throughout. The smartphone app may then communicate with thecloud 1208, although it should be noted that the smart dispenser mayadditionally or alternatively communicate directly with the cloud 1208,such as via a Wi-Fi network. The cloud based backend 1210 may thencommunicate with the smartphone app 1204 and with the brand dashboard1202, as discussed herein throughout.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that variousfeatures are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A consumable level monitoring label sheet forphysical association with a content-filled consumable to allow formonitoring of a level of the content therein, comprising: a plurality oflabels, each individually manually removable from the label sheet andeach comprising: a plurality of electrical conductors forming a sensingmodule, the sensing module having associated therewith firmware forconverting signals associated with the electrical conductors and to anindication of the content level; a communications module forcommunicating the content level to at least a user display and over atleast one network; and a power module for powering at least the sensingmodule and the communications module; a plurality of perforationsassociated with each of the plurality of labels, wherein the pluralityof perforations provides for variations in a size of each of the labelsupon the manual removal.
 2. The consumable level monitoring label sheetof claim 1, wherein ones of the plurality of labels are flexible.
 3. Theconsumable level monitoring label sheet of claim 1, wherein ones of theplurality of labels comprise strips having an appreciably greater lengththan width.
 4. The consumable level monitoring label sheet of claim 1,wherein ones of the plurality of labels are backed with an adherent. 5.The consumable level monitoring label sheet of claim 1, wherein thesensing module is conductive in nature.
 6. The consumable levelmonitoring label sheet of claim 1, wherein the sensing module iscapacitive in nature.
 7. The consumable level monitoring label sheet ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of labels comprises a flexibleprinted circuit board.
 8. The consumable level monitoring label sheet ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of labels comprises a polyimidefilm.
 9. The consumable level monitoring label sheet of claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of labels comprises one of a polyester andpolyethylene naphthalate.
 10. The consumable level monitoring labelsheet of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of labels is additivelymanufactured.